Toy building construction



Aug. 25, 1931. A. c. GILBERT I 1,820,660

TOY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION I 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 25. 1927 Aug. 25, 1931. A. c. GILBERT TOY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 23, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 25, 1931. A c. GILBERT 1,820,660

TOY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 25, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Aug 25, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALFRED C. GILBERT, F HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

TO THE A. C. GILBERT COMPANY, OF NEW HAVFN, CONNECTICUT, A. CORPORATION OF MARYLAND TOY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Application filed February 23, 1927. Serial No. 170,259.

This invention relates to toy building construction, and more particularly to toy con- .struction of fairly light sheet metal which simulates in appearance the modern struc- B tural steel used in building bridges, skyscrapers, towers, cranes and the like. Furthermore, my invention pertains especially to toy building construction which can be used to build various models where a hollow box column or girder simulating a commercial lattice girder is required.

()ne of the primary objects of my invention is to provide an improved form of strip which is adapted to be combined with a plurality of like strips in such'a manner that a very close simulation of box girders, angle beams and other shapes and structures used in commercial steel work may be readily obtained. v Another object of this invention is to provide an improved form of strip or toy building element, which is adapted to be joined lengthwise to another similar one to form an extension thereof, and whereby an extended element may readily be provided of various lengths, as required by the toy model to be constructed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved form of toy building element which is adapted to be associated with another element of similar form, whereby a sturdy, rigid angle piece or beam may readily be formed for use in various toy models.

Still another object of the invention is to furnish an improved construction of hollow box girder or column.

To these and other ends the invention con sists in the novel features and combinations of parts to be hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is an edge view of a sheet metal toy building element or strip, embodying the features of this invention, and from which toy structures may readily be formed;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the same;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the same;

Fig. 4 is a. side elevation of the corner structure of an angle piece or beam formed by the joining of two similar toy building elements, shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a view of the reverse side of the parts shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a section on line 67-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is an elevation of the strip or element joined to another to form an extension thereof;

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is an elevation of a toy girder or column formed by the use of a plurality of toy elements of this invention;

10 is a section on line 10-10 of Fig. 9;

F1 g. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing a somewhat different connection between two elements, when one is used to form an extension of another;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing another manner of connecting two elements together;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing still another manner of connecting two elements together;

Fig. 14 is an elevation of a box-like girder formed of a plurality of toy elements of this invention, in a somewhat different arrangement thereof;

Fig. 15 is a section on line 15 -15 of Fig. 14. and

Fig. '16 is a section on line 1616"of Fig. 14.

The building element shown in detall in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, is constituted by a strip of sheet metal comprising a body portion 10, and a side flange portion 11. The flan e 11 is provided with perforations 12, whic are equally spaced apartlengthwise of the same and intermediate the strip ends. An additional perforation 13 is provided at each end. Each .of the perforations 13 is preferably spaced from the adjacent end an amount substantially equal to the amount it is spaced from the edges of the flange 11, and further, is in alignment with and spaced from the adjacent perforation12 an amount substantially equal to one-half the distance between any two of the perforations 12. The perforations 12 and 13 are preferably elongated transversely of the flange 11, and with respect to the strip, for a purpose which will be hereinafter described.

The body portion is provided with a plurality of series of aligned perforations 14, e ually s aced apart lengthwise thereof and ispose one series alon each edge of the body 10. Additional per orations are provided in alignment with and spaced from the perforations 14, in the ends of the body 10, in a manner similar to that of the promsion of the perforations 13 in the flange 11. The perforations 14 and 15 in the body 10 correspond in spacing to the perforations 12 and 13 in the flange 11, and are in alignment therewith transversely with respect to the strip. The perforations 15 provided in the body 10 are preferably. elongated transversely thereof.

Spaced from each edge an amount substantially equal to the width of the flange 11, the

. body 10 is offset out of the plane thereof by being bent inwardly in the direction taken by t e flange 11. This forms an offset portion 16. The portion 16, in this instance, is cut awayat 17 and 18 to form cross bars 19 and 20, which intersect along the medial line of the body 10. At each of the intersecting points of the bars 19 and 20., the body is provided with a perforation 21. The perforations 21 are in alignment and are spaced apart an amount equal to substantially twice the amount of the spacing between the perforations 12 and 14, and correspond to every other one of the same. An additional perforation 22 in alignment with the series of perforations 21, is provided at each end of the strip, and corresponds with the perforations 13 and 15 of the flange and body respectively, being in alignment therewith transversel with respect to the strip.

The angle piece or beam shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, is constructed by the use of two of the elements, as above described. These elements are arranged with the end edge 23 of one abutting against the flan e 11 at the end of the other element, with both flanges outermost and extending in the same direction. Fastening means, such as bolts 24, pass through registering perforations 14 and 15 of these elements. An especially rigid and sturdy structure is thus formed, which will resist lateral bending and twisting or other distortion due partly to the reinforcing action of the flange 11 upon the body 10. partly to the bracing action due to abutting the end of one element against the flange of the other, and partly due to the stiffening action of the offset portion 16.

The box-like girders or columns shown in Figs. 9, 10, 14, 15 and 16, are composed of four elements formed as above described. In these figures, two of the strips or elements are disposed in opposed relation, with the flange 11 of each directed toward the unflanged edge 25 of the body 10 of the other element. By this arrangement, the flanges 11 of each are diagonally opposed. Another pair of strips dis osed in like position with respect to each ot er, are arranged in respect to the first two strips in such a manner that the unflangled edge of one stri overlaps the flange of t e adjacent strip. n Figs. 9 and 10, the unflanged edge 25 of each strip over-,

laps the flange 11 on the interior surface,

Securing 13 in the flange 11 of one strip, permits these perforations to register with perforations of the unflanged portions 25 of another strip. This feature also permits the lateral expansion of a box girder section, formed as above described, whereby another girder section may be secured thereto at an end thereof by interposing a similarly formed one in between the members of the elements of the first, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16. As either end of the girder may be expanded independently of the other a long extended girder may be constructed by joining together a pluralit of girder sections, formed as above describe which due to the light gauge of the material used, will still maintain an apparent symmetry of form.

An elongated girder constructed of aplurality of sections as above described, will be of particularly rigid construction, due to the cooperation of the flan e 11 of each element or strip with the edge of the other strip which it engages. Due to the rigidity of each strip, occasioned by the effect of the flange 11 being at an angle to the bod 10 thereof, no substan tial overlapping of t e girder sections is required. It is only necessary to overlap the end of one section over the end of the other an amount suflicient to register the perforations 13 in the flange 11 with the perforations 15 in the body 10. No additional plates or other parts are required to insure a rigid joint between the sections, when elements or strips of the above form are used.

- Figs. 7, 11, 12 and 13 show four different arrangements which are possible when it is desired to use one strip to form an extension of another, and to thereby construct an elongated element or strip. In Figs. 7 and 11 the elements or strips are overlapped with the flange 11 of each at the same side and directed in the same direction, with bolts 24 passing through registering perforations 14, in Fig. 11 the cross bars 19 and 20 of each strip registering, due to the use of certain of perforations 14 in each strip. In Figs. 12 and 13, the bolts 24 ss through perforations 14 of one strip, an perforations 15 of another. By proper arrangement of the strips and the use of certain perforations, an extended strip of be only limited in that no variation in length may be obtained smaller than the spacing between the perforations 14 and 15 of these strips,

From the above, it will be seen that the provision of a toy building element or strip, constructed'according to the above description,

)ermits the joining of one strip to a part havlhg equally spaced and similarly arranged perforations to form a variety of structures. It will be further noted that the structures formed will be of rigid construction, while being composed of a minimum number of prarts, due to the form of the element used.

arious changes may be made in the details of the construction without departing from the spirit of the invention 'and the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A toy building element comprising a sheet metal strip having a body portion and a flange portion, said flange portion extending along one edge only of satdbody portion and at right angles thereto, said body portion having a part offset therefrom, and extending the entire length thereof, said part being offset in the direction in which said flange extends, and being laterally spaced from the edge of said body portion an amount substantially equal to the width of said flange, said body portion adjacent each of its edges being provided with a series of aligned perforations equally spaced apart intermediate the ends of the strip and having laterally elongated perforations adjacent each end and in alignment with each of the aforesaid series of perforations. v

2. A toy building element comprising a sheet metal strip having a body portion and a flange portion, said flange portion extending along one edge only of said body portion and at right angles thereto, said body portion adjacent each of its longitudinal edges being provided with a series of aligned perforations equally spaced apart intermediate the ends of the strip, and having latorally elongated perforatlons adjacent each end and in alignment with each of the aforesaid series of perforations.

3. In a to construction, the combination of a plurality of identical elements constituted by sheet metal strips, each" of said strips havmg a flange disposed at right angles thereto at and along the entire length of only one of its edges, two of said strips being in opposed relation with their flanges direct ed toward the opposing strip, but disposed diagonally opposite each other,'another pair of strips arranged in like manner with respect .to each other and with respect to the first two strips in such a manner that the unflanged edge of one strip overlaps the flange of the adjacent strip, registering laterally elongated perforations provided at the ends of each of said strips in the overlapping parts thereof, and adjustable means passing through the perforations in the ends of each strip at the overlapping parts thereof to secure the adjacent strips together to form an expansible box-like girder section.

4. A toy building element, comprising a sheet metal strip having a body portion and a flange portion, said flange portion being substantially narrower than said body portion and extending along the entire length of only oneedgo of said body portion and at right angles thereto, said body portion adjacent each of its longitudinal edges being provided with a series of aligned perforations equally spaced apart intermediate the ends of the strip, and having laterally elongated perforations adjacent each end in alignment with the aforesaid series of perforations, said flange portion having laterally elongated perforations therein, corresponding laterally with respect to said strip with the perforations in said body portion at the edges there- 4 5. In a toy construction, the combination of a plurality of similar elements, each constituted by a sheet metal strip, having a flange disposed at right angles to said strip at and along only one of its edges, two of said strips being in opposed relation with their flanges directed toward the opposing strip but disposed diagonally opposite each other, another pair of strips arranged in like manner with respect to each other and with respect to the first two strips, being arranged in such a manner that the unflanged edge of one strip overlaps the flange of the adjacent strip, registering laterally elongated perforations provided at the ends of each of said strips in the overlapping parts thereof, whereby a box-like girder section is formed, and a similarly formed box-like girder section secured to the first formed one, said second mentioned girder section being expanded at one end whereby the ends of the strips forming said second mentioned girder section overlap the ends of the corresponding strips of the first mentioned girder section, and securing means passing through the corresponding perforations in the ends of each strip of each girder section, at the overlapping portion thereof to secure the strips of each section to other and to the strips of the other section, w lereby an extended girder is formed.

6. In a square hollow girder, an elongated strip of thin material, said strip having interconnected parallel side marginal portions, a flange extending the entire len h of said strip along only the outer edge 0 one of the marginal portions thereof,said marginal portions and said flange each having a laterally elongated perforation at an end thereof and in lateral alignment with each other, whereby when a plurality of strips are assembled together with the surface of the end of the unflanged marginal portion of one resting upon the surface of the end of the flange of another, with the perforations therein registering to permit the insertion of securing means, the

girder may be expanded and reduced ill cross section to embrace and be embraced by another girder of like structure.

7. A toy building element, comprising a sheet metal strip having a body portion pro vided with a plurality of series of perforations which are spaced apart longitudinally with respect to the strip, the perforation of each series being spaced apart laterally thereof, said body portion having a flange substantially narrower than said body portion extending along only one of the edges thereof at an angle to said body portion'whereby an end portion of one such element may be secured flatly upon another, with the end edge of the first abutting the flange of the second, and with the laterally spaced apart perforations of one coinciding with the longitudinally spaced apart perforations of the other wherein fastening means may be inserted to secure the elements together.

8. In a toy construction, the combination of a pluralit of sheet metal strips each forming a side a box girder, each of said strips having a. flange along and disposed at right angles to one of its edges and being associated with the adjacent strip by having its flange disposed upon the surface of the unflanged edge of the adjacent strip, each of said strips having perforations at the ends thereof that are elongated laterally with respect to the strip and disposed one at the flanged edge, one at the unflanged edge and one in the flange thereof, the perforations at the engaged portion of said associated strips registering to receive fastening members to retain said strips in position to form box girder sides, said strips, due to the elongated perforations, being movable outwardly with respect to the interior of the box girder formed thereby to permit the expansion thereof whereby the unexpanded end of another similarly formed box girder may be received therein.

9. A toy building element, comprising a sheet metal strip having a body portion and a flange portion, said flange portion being substantially narrower than said body portion and extending along only one edge of said body portion and disposed at an angle thereto, said body portion adjacent each of its longitudinal edges and adjacent each end thereof having a perforation that is elongated laterally with respect to said strip.

10. A toy building element, comprising a sheet metal strip having a body portion and a flange portion, said flange portion being substantially narrower than said body portion and extending along only one edge of said body portion and disposed at an angle thereto, said body portion adjacent each of its longitudinal edges and adjacent each end thereof having a perforation that is elon ated laterally with respect to said strip, said ange portion having a laterally elongated perforation adjacent each end thereof and in lateral alignment with the aforesaid perforations in said body portion.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of February, 1927. j

ALFRED C. GILBERT. I7 

